Photographic shutter and pretimer



July'll, 1939. J. MIHALYI PHOTOGRAPHIC SHUTTER AND PRE' I'IIER Original Filed Oct. so; 1936 6 She ets-Sheet 2 Joseph Mihalyi INVENTOR.

ATTORN 11, 1939- J. MIHALYI v 2,165,401

PHOTOGRAPHIC SHUTTER AND PRETIIER I Original Filed Oct. 30, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Joseph Mihalyz' INVENTOR.

BY M?! A TTORNEYS! y 1939- J. MIHALYI 2,165,401

PHOTOGRAPHIC SHUTTER AND PRE'I'IIER Original Filed Oct. 30, 1936 6 Shets-Sheet 4 Joseph Mihalyi INVENTOR.

July '11, 1939. M|HALY| 2,165,401

PHOTOGRAPHIC SHUTTER AND PRETIIER Original Filed Oct. 30, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 05 FIG 2| 53 121 55 9.9 5 1 3 8? v 33 68 55 1 i I 86 1 100 .54 1 o Joseph Mihalyi INVENTOR.

July 11, 1939. J. MIHALYI PHOTOGRAPHIC SHUTTER AND PRETIIER Original Filed Oct. 50, 19136 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 H IIIIIIIHHHIIT Joseph Miha Patented July 11 1939 UNITED STATES 2,165.4" PHOTOGRAPHIG SHU'I'IER AND TIMER PBE Joseph mum, Rochester, N. y.,

assignor to Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Original application October 30, 1938, Serial No. 108,396, now Patent No. 2,117,971, dated May 17, 1938. Divided and t his application November 19, 1937, Serial No. 175,479

8 Claim.

This invention relates to photography and more.

anism with a pretimer built in. Another object of I my invention is to provide a shutter having a plurality of automatic retarded exposures and to utilize a single gear train for retarding these exposures, and also for retarding a detent used for the pretimer. Still another object .of my in-'- vention is to provide a pretiming mechanism for shutters in which the pretimer is locked against operation at all times except when the shutter master member is in condition for exposure. Still another object of my invention is to provide a rell5 atively simple type of ,pretiming mechanism which can be easily operated and which adds a minimum number of parts to a shutter,.an d other objects will appear from the following specification, the novel features being particularly pointed out in the claims at the end thereof.

Coming now to the drawings, wherein like refer- V 'ence characters denote like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is av perspective view of a camera in which is embodied the shutter operating mechanism constructed in accordance with this invention, the camera being opened for use.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of the same camera as Fig. 1, but

viewed from the opposite side; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the camera in closed position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the mounting plate on which the operating mechanism is mounted, only certain parts of the latter being shown, and also showing parts of the shutter and shutter casing;

Fig. 5 is a. verical section through the end 01' the winding lever shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the cover for the shutter operating mechanism;

Fig.7 is a section on line 1-1 of Fig. 6, the operating parts not being shown; 1

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the operating parts and the plate on which said parts are mounted, the

mechanism being in released position and some parts omitted;

Fig. 9 is a similar view showing the same parts as Fig. 8, but in the set or fwound position and with the delayed action device also ready so for release;

Figs. 10 and 11 are section elevations onlines ll-lll and ||-|l of Fig. 9 and Fig. 8, respectively.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the delayed action detent and associated parts;

i Fig. 13 is a plan view of the operating mchanism, with some parts omitted, after release, and about to make an exposure in the range of A00 to M; of a second;

Fig. 14 is'a similar view for exposures of, 1 second and second;

Fig. 15 is a plan of'a bellcrank that is part of the timing control;

F1g.'16 is a detached view or the timing gears and the mounting therefor;

Fig. 17 is a sectional elevation on line l|l|' of 10 Fig. 16; i

Fig. 18 is a plan view similar to Figs. 13 and 14, with more of the operating parts shown, and operating to make exposures 01 ,5 second;

Fig. 19 is a plan view, showing bulb opera-J 'tion;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary view indicating the manner in which overrun o! the timing gears is prevented; i

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary plan showing a detent; 20

Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation on line 22-22 of Flg. 21

Fig. 23 is a detail of the timing-gear operator;

18. 241s a detail of the control member for timing; 25

Fig. 251s a detail of an auxiliary control member associated with the part shown in' Fig. 23;

Fig. 26 is a section on line 26-26 of Fig. ,23;

Fig. 27 is a section on line 21-21 of Fig. 25;

Fig. 28 is a plan view of a plate for attaching the shuttermechanism and its mounting to a part of the camera;

Fig. 29 is a detail of the shutter lever and aotua-' tor in relased position;

Fig. 30 shows the same parts in set" position; and

Fig. 31 is a detail fragmentary perspective view of parts of the interengaging shutter mechanism and particularly the shutter leaf holding latch. v 40 As a preferred embodiment 01' my invention, I have shown a pretimer built into a shutter 01' the type described in my copending application Serial No. 108,396, filed October 30, 1936, resulting in Patent 2,117,971, granted May 17, 1938, of which 45 this is a divisional application. While my pretimer is particularly adapted to be built into shutters of thistype, it is obvious that various arrangements can be made without departingirom my invention and that, the camera shutter mech- 5o anism herein shown and described is by way 01' iilustration only;

Flgs. 1,-2 and 3 show a camera including an embodiment of my invention, which may comprise a body ll, bed'II, bellows 32, and a camera 55 may be accomplished by rotating the iront lens element in the usual manner. The camera may have a range finder .31 and a light-activated elemeat 35 for determination of exposures, but these parts are not necessary parts of the present invention.

Above the bellows 33 is a casing or cover above mentioned, broadly designated---by numeral 39, and containing the operating and. controlling mechanism by which the shutter is operated. This casing, shown in section in Fig. 7, is closed at the bottom by a plate 45 (see also Fig. 4) that constitutes a base or mounting for the shutteroperating mechanism as a unit. The plate 40 is hinged at 48 to the camera body l, and has edge channels or slideways 42 in which pins 43 I on camera front 34 are adapted to slide, so that when the camera front as is pushed back in closing the camera, the pins 43 travel in the channels 42 and cause the plate 40 and casing 39 to swing downwardly on the hinge 4i over the shutter casing 34, the whole moving to the position indicated in Fig. 3 so that the camera bed 32 closes into place over both the casings 39 and 34.

When the bed 32 is released by pressure on buttons 32b the reverse action occurs, viz; the linkage 35 moves the shutter casing forwardly, and the pins 43 on the latter, traveling in the channels 42, cause the plate 40 and the operating parts carried thereby and the casing 39 that enclosed said parts to swing upwardly about the hinge M and to assume the position of Fig. 1, at which time a predetermined mechanical relation is established between a part of the operating mechanism within the casing 39 and a part of the shutter that projects upwardly from the casing 3 t, all as set forth in detail in the following description.

The shutter in the present instance is not shown completely but only to the extent required to make clear its operation and its relation to other parts. Such a shutter may comprise a plurality of blades 45 (Fig. 4), pivotally attached at 46 to a partition 44 within the casing 34, and adapted to be moved by pins 41 that are set in a bladeoperating ring 48, the latter suitably mounted for partial oscillation both clockwise and counterclockwise through a limited are. One of such movements of the ring 48 may carry the blades 45 to open position and the opposite movement may return the blades to closed position.

For this purpose the blade-operating ring 48 has an upwardly-extending arm 49 that projects through a slot in the top of casing 34 and is adapted to cooperate with a reciprocating link 50 which constitutes a terminal element of the actuating mechanism, said link being moved when the operator presses the release or operating button for making an exposure, in a manner to be described. It will be understood that the opening of the camera as above described carries the arm 49 into a position where it may be engaged by the link 50. This movement is completely automatic and requires no effort on the part of the operator other than merely opening the camera.

Suitable means are provided whereby the arm the hook or latch 5i, which is when the camera front 34 is in a folded or partly folded position.

When however the camera is positioned for taking pictures and member 39 is engaged by hook 5| the arm 49 will have been released since lug 2 10 of plate til engages the upstanding end 252 of spring latch l just before the camera is fully opened, so that by completing the opening movement the latch is released. In starting to fold the camera the latch is immediately released to immediately re-engage arm 69 to hold it and the shutter leaves 45 against movement.

Coming now to the mechanism for reciprocating the arm 45, (opening and closing the shutter) the link 55 (Figs. l, 29 and having a notch 5i near one end, is pivotally attached near the edge of a disc 52, revoluble on a post 53. This post is set in a mounting plate 54 that also carries the other operating parts, said plate being attached to the base plate 45.

The disc 52 has teeth 55 around part of its periphery, said teeth being adapted to mesh with teeth 55 on the rim of a ring member 5?. This ring member, hereinafter designated the driver constitutes a convenient form of prime mover for all the operating and controlled parts of the mechanism. The ring 5 7! is revolubly mounted on a circular collar 55 (Fig. 11) beneath a flange A central opening or well 65, inside the ring 58, provides a space to receive the front lens element when the camera is closed as in Fig. 3, and this well may have a closure such as the plate 55a. All the operating and controlling parts are disposed about this control collar, some being mounted to rotate on said collar and others being mounted on various posts or studs set in the plate 55, as will presently appear.

The driver 57 carries a pin ti that constitutes a convenient means for engagement with the winding or setting elements. Movement of the driver in a clockwise direction by the setting elements (presently 'to be described) is opposed by a spring 52,'that constantly tends to move the driver in a counterclockwise direction and to return it to the position of Fig. 4 to a. stop pin 63. Movement of the driver in a clockwise direction rotates the disc 52 in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby actuating the link 50 alternately through a right-to-left and left-to-right path in accordance with such movement, while movement of the driver counter-clockwise actuates the link 50 from left-to-right and then from right-to-left.

The setting element for the shutter mechanism (Fig. 4) is preferably a lever 64 which may be mounted at 55 on an extension of the film spool key and may therefore constitute a filmwinder also. This lever 64 is shown as connected by a flexible cable 65 with a slide 61 that has a lug 68 lying against the pin 6|; The slide 61 is normally pulled toward the disk 52 by a spring 61a.

post 18 and urged in a counter-clockwise directhis flange tion about the post 19 by a light spring 14. A fork 15 carries a finger piece 16 that extends through the side wall of casing 39, (Figs. 2 and 6) so that a movement of the finger piece 18 toward the camera lifts the latch 10 from the step 69 and permits-the driver 81 to be rotated counterclockwise by the spring 62, except as said driver may be interrupted or delayed for extended exposures, later to be described.

The manner in which the shutter arm 49 is engaged and moved to open and close the shutter when the driver is set and released is a particular feature of the invention and will now be described.

From Figs. 29 and 30 it will be noted that the notch 5| in the free end of link 50 is of a peculiar shape, the notch being undercut and being deepervon the outer side than it is on the side toward the disc 52. Fig. 29 shows said disc and the I link as they appear when the driver 51 isin the.

position of Fig. 4. If now the lever 84 is moved, carrying the slider 51 toward the camera, the driver turns the disc 52 counter-clockwise. The link 50 then moves toward the right, the shoulder 5| a at the left of notch 5| passing in front of arm 49 because the link approaches the arm 49 at an acute angle, and therefore no movement of said arm occurs. As the disc 52 continues to move, the link pivot passes the right center and the link 50 then beginsmoving toward the left, the shoulder 5|a again passing in front of arm 49 but still not engaging said arm. The freeend of link 50 is lightly 'pressed toward the arm 49 by a spring 50a. When the driver is released (the parts being in the position of Fig. 30) the disc 52 is rotated clockwise by reason of its toothed connection with the driver, and the shoulder 5| at the left of thenot'ch then approaches the arm 49 in a direction normal to the edge of said arm thus engaging and moving the latter toward the right and opening the shutter as heretofore described. As the driver moves further toward its released position or to rest, the disc 52 continues to rotate clockwise, and the link, after its pivot has passed the right center, moves again toward the left, and the shoulder 5": at the right side of the notch 5| carries the arm 49 to the left and closes the shutter. The parts are then again in the relative positions of Fig. 29.

The above described engagement occurs regardless of the selected timing of the operating mechanism, so that on slow or bulb exposures the driver is so controlled that the shutter re-- mains open, i. e.: the driver 51 and the disc 52 are stopped when the arm 49 has been moved to the right, and the shutter closes when the timedelayed parts are released to complete their movement.

To afford the operator convenient control of shutter speeds, the mechanism shown as embodying the present invention is arranged to permit spe ds f ul 1 se nd. /2, /5. A0 /25, /50. A00

and l second, to encompass the conventional range of requirements. For a better understanding of the operating mechanism, the construction and assembly only of the timing and control groups of parts will now be described and their operation and functions will be set forth thereafter. r

Referring first to Figs. and 11', the driver or master operating ring 51 is shown as before described, underlying an annular flange 59 on the central rim or collar 58. Upon the top face of member 86, hereinafter referred to 59 is'a number of balls 11, which" ring 18 counter-clockwise, after the manner ofthe driver 51 with its spring. Ring 18 carries two gear segments 83 and 84 which are in diiferent planes, the segment 83 being uppermost.

Lying upon the gear ring 18 is a flat ring 85, hereinafter called the detent ring. It would be possible to have this ring (shown in Fig. 25)

an integral part of ring 18,'but for practical and less expensive construction it is of thinner metal and has downturned lugs 85a that enter notches 18a in thegear ring 18, thus making the parts 18 and 85 in effect a single member. The periphery of this detent ring is provided with detents 85b and 85c. H

To retain the above described rings in rotative relation and to facilitate assembly, a third ring as the cam ring overlies the detent ring 85 and has lugs 86a (Fig. 24) adapted to enter notches 81 in' the rim or collar 58 and engage an annular groove 58a therein, thus permitting the ring 86 to be retained on said collar, at the same time being free to revolve through a limited arc. As the lugs 86a cannot escape from the groove 58a unless aligned with the notches 81, the cam ring 86 retains both the detent ring 85 and the gear ring 18 in their respective planes. The circumferential traverse of the cam is such that the required are is covered by a movement which is insufficient to carry the lugs 860. from one of the notches 81 to the next.

The cam ring 85 constitutes a controlling element which acts upon other parts to move or interrupt the movements thereof to time varying exposures, and to this end the cam ring is provided with outwardly extending portions of appropriate form, 88, 89, 90, 9| and 92, the functions of which will be described. Rotation of the .cam ring is accomplished by means of a pinion the index cam by the action of a spring 99. The

outer end of lever 98 carries scale |00 indicating shutter speeds, and this scale may be observed through a window MI in the cover 39 (see Figs. 1 and 6). Rotation of the wheel 94 causes the scale I00 to move under the window |0|.

The parts which cooperate with the gear ring 18 are best-understood by reference to Figs. 13 to 17 inclusive, and include as a principal member a gear train with a retarding escapement, all of which, boardly designated by reference numeral H0, is in the presentinstance located near the right rear corner of the plate 54. This gear train as a unit is carried on a bell-crank pivoted at H2, and having an arcuate slot 1 I3 to limit its movement.

frame 4 is pivoted at H5 on the bellcrank and is pressed by a spring I09 in such a manner that it tends to turn clockwise on said pivot. Between the upper and lower yoke ,members are till gears H6, H1, H8 and pinions H9 and Ill, which intermesh successively after the manner of clockwork gears, that is, so that movement of the primary gear, in this instance, I I6, is carried through pinion I20,-;gear H1, pinion H9 and gear IIB, which latter then revolve many times faster than the primary gear IIG.

To limit the speed of the gear train under various conditions, the'same elements are employed as are commonly in use'in clocks and watches, viz; a star wheel or ratchet 2 that revolves freely on the shaft H60, of gear H8, and an anchor escapement pallet I23, pivoted on the shaft of gearIIB. The star wheel I22 carries a pinion I 24 that meshes with the gear iiii, and is thus driven at a higher speed than the latter. The pallet I23 therefore co-acts with the fastestmoving element of the gear train and constitutes a retarding element therefor.

The gears H6 and II! (Fig. 18) lie in the same planes, respectively, as the toothed segments t3 and 84 on the gear ring 78. When the yoke M4 is turned slightly counter-clockwise about the pivot M5, the gear H6 will mesh with the segment 83, and the entire train of gears will be driven as above described, if the gear ring it is thenmoved counter-clockwise. If the yoke M4 is turned slightly clockwise about the pivot M5 the gear l I6 is moved to a position where it cannot engage the segment 53, the gear Ml being brought into position to engage the segment 84, so that movement of the gear ring 18 then drives the gear train through a smaller reduction and therefore against less resistance and at a higher speed. The yoke or frame i I l is turned about the pivot M5 by the cams Eli and 92, acting on a pin I2I at the ring end of said frame.

If the gear train is considered as a brake upon the movement of the gear ring it, it is obvious that the latter, urged counter-clockwise by the spring 86! (under conditions hereinafter to be set forth) will be retarded for a greater length of time when the gear segment 523 and the gear Hi5 are in mesh than will be the case when the segment 85 and gear till are engaged. The above factors are utilized in the operating mechanism herewith illustrated to hold the shutter open for longer or shorter intervals, as will be described. The gear train therefore constitutes a variable retarding element co-acting with the shutteractuating mechanism.

Referringto Fig. 9 it will be noted that the driver 51 carries a short lever i363, pivoted at 136 and having an upstanding arm E132 that projects above the plane of cam ring at. A spring 0323 tends to hold the arm use against the edge of the rings and 86. The arm 32 constitutes a connector between the driver 5? and the rings it and 85 whereby both the latter are moved clockwise when the driver is moved to the set position, and said arm also serves as a means for re leasing the rings it and bit when the lever 32 is moved. The setting movement of the driver places springs 36 and 62 under tension so that the driver 511, the gear ring "it and the detent ring 55 will be moved counter-clockwise except as such movement is retarded or interrupted.

Pivoted on the stud 0'3 (Fig. 19) is a lever 93d, urged by a spring 035 so that its end I36 is pressed against the outer edge 95a of the index cam A notch tel in the edge Eta is adapted to permit the lever its to move, under the action of spring I35, a sufiicient distance to co-act with other members to give a bulb" exposure, provided the has elapsed after its release.

cam ring 86 is so positioned that the end I36 of lever I3! may enter the notch I.

Alsopivoted on" stud Ilia a lever Ill, (Figs. 18

and 19) the function of rhichiito the escapemen't pallet I23 at the end of the shutters closing movement. so that the gear train will not overrun by its own momentum. The operation,

counter-clockwise by an am no on the lever 12.

Means are also provided in the structure of the present invention whereby the operator may release the shutter, and then may himself pose in front of the camera/before the shutter opens. Such means may be properly referred to as a delayed action device, because the shutter is not operated until a predetermined time interval The parts for accomplishing. this delayed action in the present instance are located at the right side of the operating mechanism, and. are best illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 and enlarged in Fig. 12.

A stud I45 carries a detent I46, in the form of a disc, cut-away at I41 to approximately the radius of the periphery of driver W and occupying a corresponding plane. Obviously the detent Hi6 cannot be turned when so positioned. A part of the periphery of the driver has a curved recess 571a, which, when the driver is moved to the fset position (Fig. 9) permits the detent I46 to be turned, and when the detent is so turned, the driver can be moved only a very slight distance. The delayed action device therefore cannot become operative until the shutter mechanism has been set. Detent M6 may be turned, when the shutter mechanism is set, by an' arm MB, against the action of a spring M9. A fingerpiece Hit projects through the side of the cover 3t (Fig. 1) for the operators convenience.

A link 65H (Fig. 9) is pivotally attached at I 52 to the underside of detent Hi8 and has on its free end a series of teeth 95in adapted to mesh with a pinion 853 that is fixed to the shaft IISa of gear MB. A light spring 655 maintains the teeth Mia in engagement with pinion I53. On the upper face of detent M6 is a pawl I55, the free end of which is urged outwardly by a spring H56 against a limit stop new.

The operation of the delayed-action device is as follows:

From a position of rest, as shown in Fig. 8,

the driver at is moved clockwise as has been described, by means of the slider d'li, until the set position has been reached, and the step 69 on the driver is caught by the latch 70 as in Fig. 9. At this time the recess 57a in the driver is aligned with the cut-away portion MW of detent I46, and-the latter may be turned by the arm Mt to the position of Fig. 9, at which time the pawl 855 snaps outwarrlly'and acts as a latch against one shoulder of the recess 5M, preventing detent N6 from rotating under the pressure of spring driver spring 62 pulls the driver around, counterclockwise, but the driver can only move a very slight distance, because the front half of recess 51a immediately strikes the detent I46 and the driver stops. However, this slight movement is sumcicnt to carry the rear end of recess 51a past the end of pawl I 55, (Figs. 8, 13, 14) whereat the spring I49 begins to rotate disc I46 counter-' clockwise and the teeth I5Ia, engage the pinion I53, due to the jamming action that occurs because of the relative positions of the parts. The

1 action of the spring I49 is resisted by the inertia and the escapement of gear train I I0, so that the restricted speed of the latter compels the'detent I46 to revolve slowly, giving the operator time to pose in front of the camera. As the detent I46 continues to revolve, it finally comes again to the position of Fig. 8, where it no longer obstructs the driver 51, and the latter therefore is free to complete its movement and to open and close the shutter for instantaneous or slow speeds.

Having described the arrangement of the operating mechanism and the construction of the parts thereof, the action of these parts in performing their various functions through different lengths of exposures now will be set forth in detail. First, the shutter operating mechanism will be considered as ready for making a slow automatic exposure, for instance within the limits of one second to about second.

The selected index figure (Fig. 19) having been moved to the center of the window IOI (Fig. 6) by the operator turning the wheel 94, the cam or control ring 86 is then-in the positionof Fig. 14 with the pin. m on the part 92. The operator then winds or "sets the operating mechanism by turning the crank-arm 64,thus moving slider 61 toward the camera, and carryingthe driver 51 (through contact between slider lug 68 and pin 6|) clockwise, until the nose or step 69 on the driver passes the end of latch I0. The hanzdle 64 is then returned to the position of rest,

in the socket provided for it in the camera body 3| (Fig. 2).

As the driver 51 is turned as just described, the

upstanding arm I32 on the part I30 engages the detent 8527 on the ring 85, so that the latter and the gear ring I8 are moved clockwise also. This movement places the springs 62 and under considerable tension. At the same time, the cam 92 is in contact with pin I2I and has swung the gear train III about the pivot IIS so that gear II 6 is meshed with the segmental gear 83, thus placing the gear'train so as'to offer the greatest resistance and to require the longest time for the gear ring to turn and run the segment 83 past the gear I I6 in a counter-clockwise direction. This latter action occurs when the release lever I2 is moved toward the camera, lifting the latch II from the nose 69 on the driver 51.

As the driver 51 starts to move counter-clockwise it carries the'lever I30, and therefore the arm I32, ahead of the detent ring 85, because the latter is fully retarded by the drag of the gear train 0. Thus, the arm I32 is immediately.

pulled away from the detent 85b, and'against the detent 85c, and the shutter 45 is opened by the left and closing the shutter. Fig. 14 shows the mechanism just as the arm I32 is being forced oil. from the detent 850 by the cam point 89, with the driver in such a position that the link 50 is about to move the arm 49 of the shutter to the left to close it.

For exposures of somewhat higher speeds, from 5 5 second to 1/ 100 second, the 18 and 19) is set so that the pin I2I on the gear train frame is resting against the angular edge 9I. This permits the gear train frame to turn clockwise on the pivot H5 and thus to remove the gear II6 from the path of segment 83 and to move the gear III into the path of segment 84. If now the shutter mechanism is set as described, then released, the gear ring 18 will be retarded for a shorter period than before, due to the fact that a lower gear ratio is in effect. The gear I I6 spins idly and does not drive the train. This period becomes shorter the farther the cam ring 86 is turned clockwise, until, when the pin I2I lies between the portions 90 and 9| of the-cam A ring the time of dwell of the arm I32' after leaving the detent 851) until it passes over the 'cam point 89 is as short as I/IOO-second.

- crank III-"so fa'rto the right about the pivot II2 that the gears H6 and II! cannot touchthe cam ring 86 (Figs.

segments 83 and 84. As all gear inertia or re- 7 tarding effect is thus eliminated, the gar ring is free to move under the influence of spring 80 as soon as the latch I0 is released from the driver. The cam point 89 is at this time to the right of the arm I32 and of no effect. The arm I32 is not carried ahead of detent 851), because the spring 80 causes the gear ring to travel as fast as the driver, so that the latter is really aided by the spring 80. The cam point 88 is so close to the arm I32 that the latter is kicked off and will not strike the detent 850. The shutter is thus opened and closed at maximum speed, the open time being in proportion to the initial lead of the cam point 88 from the position of arm I32 in the latched position.

The operation of the mechanism for exposure brings into action the lever I34 and other parts heretofore described (Fig. 18). The point I36 of lever I34 is pressed toward the cam surface 96a by a light spring I 35. A lug I340. on the lever lies against the free lever I40 which is pivoted at I3, and as the left end of the lever I40 is carried forward by release lever I2 it prevents the point I36 from touching the cam surface 96a except when lever I2 is pulled to release position. If the notch I31 is opposite the point I36 the latter will enter the notch when the lever I2 is moved as aforesaid. This movement frees the lever I40 and permits it to be swung about its pivot by the lug I34a as lever I34 moves under the influence of spring I35. The right end I of lever I40 then rests upon the rocking escapement pallet I23, preventing it from oscillating, so that the pallet prevents the gear train IIO from moving.

a bulb V As the gear I I6 is meshed at this time with segment 83, the gear ring I8, and therefore the detent ring 85, are held stationary, the arm I32 having moved from detent 85b to 850 with the driver during the opening movement of the shutter, is held by the stop ring, and the shutter 'remains open until the lever I2 is returned to normal by its spring I I. As soon as this occurs, lever I2 turns the lever I 40 and raises its end I clear that projects into the annular reces of the pallet I23. The gear train, free then to run, permits gear ring 18 and detent ring to complete their movements with the driver El and the latter closes the shutter.

As previously mentioned, the end Ml of lever M0 engages the pallet 23 at every return or counter-clockwise movement of the driver,

through a point I44 on the latter striking the left end of said lever, and carrying the end. I against the pallet E23. This action prevents the gear from overrunning.

It should be understood that during the setting movement or clockwise rotation of the driver and the gear ring, that the segments 83 and G6 on the latter do not engage the gears H13 and ill. Due to the fact that this movement tends to force the gears toward the right, the whole assembly swings, together with bell crank lit, about the pivot H2, so that the segments a3 and 3d chatter across the gears without actually meshing. As the segments move to the left during the operating rotation of the driver, a jamming action oc= curs, due to the angular relation between the pivot i l2 and the path of travel of the segments, so that the gears and the segments must mesh Means are provided whereby the operation of the mechanism embodying this invention is impossible unless the crank-arm $53 which is a combination film-winding and shutter-setting mean her is fully returned to its normal position with the reduced shank of knob Sta, in the notch provided for it in the camera body El.

A grooved disc or sheave 8% (Fig. 4) is freely revoluble on the post 53, and one function oi? said sheave is to serve as a guide for the spring 677a that retracts slider bl. ltdonnted at one side of the plate 553 is a pivoted arm lhll that overlies the sheave M3, the free end of said arm being connected to the end it of release lever l2 a bar it (Fig. 13). iihe arm te l has a lug M30: in the sheave, and when the lug M6 is so projected, the arm Mid and release lever 52 are held against movement in a plane parallel to the The front end of slider Ell! carries an upstanding. lug Nil that is beveled (Fig. i) so that it may wedge under the end of arm Mi l, As the slider Bl moves to the extreme forward position, the lug lil'l may thereby raise the arm thus lifting the lug Mill out of the annular recess lit-Zn in sheave its. When the lug M96 is thus raised, the release lever 712 may be moved, but if the winding arm 6 2 has not been fully returned after swindl ing movement, the lug till will not pass under the end of arm the. The latter then will not be litted and the lug his will still project into the recess 33a and prevent the lever l2 from being moved toward the camera to release the mechanism for operating the shutter.

What I claim is:

1. In a pretimer for shutters, the combination with a shutter having exposure mechanism ln= eluding a driver ring and a spring therefor, or a recess in the driver ring, a detent adjacent to and cooperating with the driver ring recess and operable only when the recess is in a predeten mined position, in which position the spring is under tension, a spring tending to move the de tent in one direction, manual means for setting the detent spring, an arm pivoted to the detent carrying a rack, a gear train including a gear wheel positioned to be engaged by said rack, said detent comprising a disk substantially fittingsaid recess and having a cut outv in the dial: but per= mitting slight relative movement between the parts, a latch carried by the detent and positioned to engage an edge of the driver ring detent, a trigger for releasing the shutter mechanism including the master member whereby the master member may slip off the latch and may be restrained against movement until the detent retarded by the gear and rack moves slowly to a position in which the cut out may release the driver ring whereby a delayed action may take place.

2. In a pretimer for shutters, the combination with shutter mechanism, of a driver in the form of a ring adapted to oscillate on a support, power means for moving said driver ring in one direction, an arcuate recess in the driver ring, a spring driven post, a disk oscillatably carried by said post of a size to substantially fit the arcuate recess and having also an arcuate I cut out therein, a lever for manually setting said post into a position in which the disk may en- 8 gage the arcuate recess and detain .the driver ring, a rack pivotally attached to said post, a gear train one gear of which lies in the path of said rack and means for moving the racl; into contact with said gear to retard movement of M mounted to oscillate on the shutter, of an arcu-- ate cut out in said driver ring, a spring tending to move said ring in one direction, a trigger mechanism adapted to hold the ring in a set position with said ring under tension, a detent substantially annular in shape having a radius A somewhat less than that of the arcuate cut out of the ring and including an arcuate cut out of slightly greater radius than that of the driven ring, said detent being positioned so that when said ring is set the detent may be turned in the ring out out, a springtending to turn the detent in one direction, a finger piece for setting the detent spring, a rack arm carried by the detent, a gear train so positioned that by setting the detent the rack is positioned to engage a gear of the retard whereby movement of the detent under the influence of its spring may slowly turn the detent into a position in which its arcuate cut out releases the driver ring to move by its set spring to actuate the shutter, said arcuate cut out on the detent lying adjacent theperiphcry of the driver ring and being definitely held against movement thereby until said driver ring is again set.

l. In a, pretimer for shutters, the combination with shutter mechanism, of a driver for the shutter mechanism in the form of a ring, an. arcuate cut out in the ring, a spring for moving the ring in one direction, a trigger adapted to latch the driver in a set position for making an exposure with the spring under tension, a detent for the driver comprising a spring driven dish of somewhat less diameter than. the arcu ate cut out, said detent also having an arcuate" cut out,approximating in curvature the diamposure and said ring is held by the trigger, a latch carried by the detent and engaging the driver ring releasable by releasing the trigger, whereby said detent may turn under the influence 01' its spring to release the driver ring, a gear train and means for operably connecting the gear train and detent to retard the latter by the former.

5. In a pretimer for shutters, the combination with shutter mechanism, of a driver for the shutter mechanism in the form of a ring, an arcuate cut out in the ring, a spring for moving the ring in one direction, a trigger adapted to latch the driver in a set position for making an exposure with the spring under tension, a detent for the driver comprising a spring driven disk of somewhat less diameter than the arcuate cut out, said detent also having an arcuate cut out approximating in curvaturethe diameter of the driver ring, said detent being positioned normally with its arcuate cut out adjacent the driver ring in an inoperative position, a lever for moving the detent into the driver cut out when said driver spring is'tensioned for exposure and said ring is held by the trigger, a latch carried by the detent and engaging the driver ring releasable by releasing the trigger, whereby said detent may turn under the influence of its spring to release the driver ring, a gear train and means for operably connecting the gear train and detent to retard the latter by the former, and moveable connections between the gear train and driver for retarding the driver by means or the gear train.

6. In a pretimer for shutters, the combination with shutter mechanism, of a driver for the shutter mechanism in the form of a ring, an arcuate cut out in the ring, a spring for moving the ring in one direction, a trigger adapted to latch the driver in a set position for making an exposure with the spring under tension, a detent for the driver comprising a spring driven disk of somewhat less diameter than the arcuate cut out, said detent also having an arcuate cut out approximating in curvature the diameter of the driver ring, said detent being positioned normally with its arcuate cut out adjacent the driver ring in an inoperative position, a lever for moving the detent into the driver cut out when said driver spring is tensioned for exposure and said ring is held by the trigger, a latch carried by the detent and engaging the driver ring releasable by releasing the trigger, whereby said detent may turn under the influence of its spring to release the driver ring, a ear train, a pivotal mount for the gear train on which said gear train can be swung into and out of engagement with a gear segment, connections between the gear segment and the driver ring, a rack bar pivotally attached to the detent and moveable to engage a gear of the gear segment whereby the shutter pretimer may be retarded by the gearing and the shutter mechanism niay be retarded by the same gearing, and means for positioning the gear train relative to the driver ring.

7. In a shutter mechanism, the combination with a driver ring, of a spring for moving said ring in one direction, a trigger including a latch for holding said ring with said spring under tension, a gear train including a plurality of different gears, a pivoted mount carrying the gear train, gear segments moveably carried by the driver ring, means for swinging the gear train support to mesh different gears with the gear segments, a cut out in the driver ring, a detent shaped to turn in said cut outwhen said driver ring spring is under tension, a rack pivotally attached to the detent and lying adjacent a gear of the gear retard train, a spring tending'to turn said detent to an inoperative position in which the detent lies out of engagement with the cut out in the driver ring, said detent rack and gear train retarding the movement of said detent, whereby said gear train may both retard the delayed action of theshutter through the detent and may retard the movement of the driver ring.

8. In a shutter mechanism, the combination with a driver ring, of a spring for moving said ring in one direction, a trigger including a latch for holding said ring with said spring under tension, a gear train including a plurality of dif-. i'erent gears, a pivoted mount carrying the gear train, gear segments moveably carried by the driver ring, means for swinging the gear train support to mesh difierent gears with the gear segments, a cut out in the driver ring, a'de'tent shaped to turn in said out out when said driver ring spring is under tension, a rack pivotally attached to the detent, and lying adjacent a gear of the gear retard, a spring tending to turn said detent to an inoperative position in which the detent lies out of engagement with the cut out in the driver ring, said detent rack and gear train retarding the movement of said detent, whereby'said gear train may both retard the delayed action of the shutter through the detent and may retard the movement of the driver ring, the driver ring and detent rack being so positioned relative to the gear train that each member may engage different gears of said gear train.

- JOSEPH MIHALYI. 

